Find alternatives to calling the Raleigh Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- Access Hub
- Helpline for those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in Raleigh & Wake County. Provides coordinated access assessment to establish eligibility and referrals to local emergency shelter and other assistive services, including walk-in center, DV victim assistance and homelessness prevention programs including financial assistance. Can provide information to callers concerned about another; coordinated entry requires speaking to person in need of housing directly. Compassionate service, all calls are private.
- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon. – Fri.
- (919) 443-0096
- https://partnershipwake.org/access-hub/
- Oak City Cares
- Drop-in center offering showers, laundry, computer access, phone access and cell charging, urgent medical care, mental health services, and other services. Three free meals offered Saturday and Sunday. Physical access point for Access Hub services (coordinated entry, shelter access). Walk-in medical services available 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at time of posting – check site for service updates. For meals enter through side entrance.
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon. – Fri.; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. & Sun. for meals
- 1430 S. Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC 27603
- (984) 344-9599 (Office – Not a Crisis Line)
- https://oakcitycares.org/
- United Way 211
- 24/7 free, confidential, and multilingual health and human services information and referral system connecting callers to network of local service providers, including shelters and food banks.
- 211 or 1 (888) 892-1162
- https://www.unitedwaync.org/nc-211
LGBTQ+
- LGBT Center of Raleigh
- Provides supportive and community programming, access to health and legal services, and referrals to accepting and supportive community resources. Not a crisis number, callers may need to leave a message. Free walk-in STI testing Mondays from 5 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. All other in-person services suspended due to COVID.
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon. – Fri.
- 19 West Hargett Street Suite 507, Raleigh NC 27601
- (919) 832-4484
- https://www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com/
Mental Health
- Promise Resource Network Warmline
- A 24/7 talk support line for people experiencing mental health or substance-related difficulties. Phone lines are staffed by volunteers with lived experience who can relate and engage with callers. Services are trauma-informed and operators are trained in de-escalation of suicidal ideation; focus is on breaking stigma, empowering the caller, and establishing a support network. Can also provide referrals to local peer supports. Available for in-state callers for up to 45 minutes (15 minutes for out-of-state). Calls are confidential and free.
- (833) 390-7728 (24/7)
- https://promiseresourcenetwork.org/get-support/
- Hopeline NC
- A free and confidential crisis and suicide prevention helpline that offers crisis intervention, supportive and non-judgmental active listening, gentle and understanding discussion of crisis resolution, and referrals to appropriate community resources. Local arm of National Suicide Prevention Line.
- Call 24/7
- Text 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekends
- (919) 231-4525 or (877) 235-4525
- https://www.hopeline-nc.org/
- Therapeutic Alternatives Mobile Crisis Team
- Provides an immediate evaluation, triage and access to acute MH/DD/SA services, treatment and supports for severe mental health crises. These services include immediate telephonic response to assess the crisis and determine the risk, mental status, medical stability and appropriate response. Mobile Crisis can respond to caller’s location including private homes and schools. No income or insurance requirements. Appropriate for situations where a person is suicidal, homicidal, experiencing a psychotic break, or experiencing a substance-related crisis. Police may be involved in mobile response if caller expresses homicidal ideation or immediate intention to harm themself or others.
- 1 (877) 626-1772 (24/7)
- https://www.mytahome.com/mobile-crisis
- WakeBrook – UNC Health Care Crisis
- 24/7 walk-in crisis and assessment emergency room for people experiencing a crisis warranting hospitalization related to a mental illness, a developmental disability or an addiction/overdose. Services available to all regardless of insurance or income status. Use of this service only appropriate for severe crisis – patient will be assessed and either hospitalized voluntarily or involuntarily, or if deemed not to be in severe crisis will be re-directed to non-emergency provider. Does not provide crisis intervention by phone.
- 107 Sunnybrook Rd., Raleigh, NC 27610
- (984) 974-4800
- https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/care-treatment/mental-health/unc-hospitals-at-wakebrook/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- InterACT
- Services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. 24/7 confidential hotlines assist callers, assist with safety planning, and connect them to community resources. Operates emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children for up to 8 weeks includes counseling, support, and case management. Will assist in finding alternate placement if shelter is full. Access to a comprehensive network of care for survivors of sexual assault. Solace Center provides private forensic examinations. Can assist survivors in obtaining restraining orders and navigating the court system if desired. No report of assault required to access any services – all services are optional. Crisis line operators are mandatory reporters.
- Contact:
- DV Crisis: (919) 828-7740 (24/7), Toll Free: (866) 291-0855
- Sexual Assault Crisis: (919) 828-3005 (24/7), Toll Free: (866) 291-0853
- Spanish: (844) 203-8896 (24/7)
- https://interactofwake.org/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
- Haven House Youth Services
- Programming for youth ages 10-24. Main office and 24/7 Crisis Line assist youth in need day or night. Youth under the age of 24 who are experiencing homelessness can access crisis counseling by calling 24/7 crisis line. Through main number can access connection to short-term emergency shelter, referrals, other resources. Emergency shelter available for youth ages 10-17 at Wrenn House – referrals accepted but not required for admission.
- Office: 8:30 – 5 M-Th, 8:30 – 3 p.m Fri.
- Office: (919) 833-3312
- Crisis Line: 919-832-7866 (24/7)
- https://www.havenhousenc.org/
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
Coming soon.
Substances
- Promise Resource Network Warmline
- A 24/7 talk support line for people experiencing mental health or substance-related difficulties. Phone lines are staffed by volunteers with lived experience who can relate and engage with callers. Services are trauma-informed and operators are trained in de-escalation of suicidal ideation; focus is on breaking stigma, empowering the caller, and establishing a support network. Can also provide referrals to local peer supports. Available for in-state callers for up to 45 minutes (15 minutes for out-of-state). Calls are confidential and free.
- (833) 390-7728 (24/7)
- https://promiseresourcenetwork.org/get-support/
- Therapeutic Alternatives Mobile Crisis Team
- Provides an immediate evaluation, triage and access to acute MH/DD/SA services, treatment and supports for severe substance-related crises. These services include immediate telephonic response to assess the crisis and determine the risk, medical stability and appropriate response. Mobile Crisis can respond to caller’s location including private homes and schools. No income or insurance requirements. Appropriate for situations where a person is suicidal, homicidal, experiencing a psychotic break, or experiencing a substance-related crisis. Police may be involved in mobile response if caller expresses homicidal ideation or immediate intention to harm themself or others.
- 1 (877) 626-1772 (24/7)
- https://www.mytahome.com/mobile-crisis
- WakeBrook – UNC Health Care Crisis
- 24/7 walk-in crisis and assessment emergency room for people experiencing a crisis warranting hospitalization related to a mental illness, a developmental disability or an addiction. Services available to all regardless of insurance or income status. Crisis services and admission to detoxification unit on-site. Use of this service only appropriate for severe crisis. Does not provide crisis intervention by phone.
- 107 Sunnybrook Rd., Raleigh, NC 27610
- (984) 974-4800
- https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/care-treatment/mental-health/unc-hospitals-at-wakebrook/
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Raleigh Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.